By ZBC News Reporter
THE President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended Zimbabwean mining companies’ resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He was speaking at the 2021 Mining Sector Awards held at State House this Tuesday evening.
His remarks came in light of the growth realised by the sector during the 2020-2021 mining season.
“Despite the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zimbabwe’s mining sector has remained resilient. Without doubt, mining companies have managed to weather the storm and demonstrated excellence in several facets of their operations.
“In this regard, the mining sector has grown from US$2.7 billion in 2017, to US$3.5 billion in 2020 and subsequently registering a phenomenal performance of around US$5.2 billion in 2021,” he said.
He also noted that the achievements speak to the mining sector’s capability to achieve or even surpass the 2023 milestone.
“As a strategic sector, you have what it takes to accelerate the realisation of the US$12 billion milestone by 2023,” he added.
He however noted that the milestone can only be achieved through concerted efforts by relevant stakeholders.
“This must be premised on the reopening of closed mines, expansion of existing mines, opening of new mines and investment of beneficiation facilities, among others,” he noted.
On its part, government committed to providing a conducive operating environment to allow the mining sector to flourish.
“Government is committed to providing a conducive and profitable operating environment. This includes promoting sustainable extraction as well as enhancing beneficiation and value addition through creation of value chains between mining and other sectors of the economy,” explained the President.
The Mining Sector Awards provide an opportunity to recognise, promote and celebrate outstanding achievements and excellence in the mining industry, which is the country’s highest foreign currency earner.